OCTOBER 1, 2025 IMPORTANT UPDATE: The BCGEU has agreed to continue administering the LAEF without an administrative fee for the sole purpose of paying previously approved applications to those already notified. However, new applications are now closed pending resolution of fund administrative matters. Applications that have not been adjudicated, or that were adjudicated without the applicant being advised of the outcome, are on hold until further notice.
The Labour Adjustment and Education Fund (LAEF) was negotiated through the Community Social Service Bargaining Association to support community-based social services workers.
The purpose of the LAEF is to enhance the skills of frontline workers and support continued employment in the sector for workers impacted by layoffs, downsizing, or restructuring.
Who can apply for LAEF funding?
Individual workers or groups of workers who are union members covered by either of HEU's community social services sector collective agreements -- Community Living Services or General Services.
One or more unions, groups of workers or one or more employers may submit a group application. The appropriate joint labour management committee and union(s) must endorse employer recommended applications.
What types of education and training can the LAEF support?
The LAEF can support:
- Skills upgrading and professional development for career advancement in community-based social services
- English as an additional language skills
- Upgrading and assessment of a diploma or certificate from another country
- Transitioning to a new job in the sector
Education must be relevant to continuing work in the community social services sector. Training through BC public education providers is strongly encouraged. Training required by legislation or a collective agreement is not eligible for funding.
How much LAEF funding is available?
Individual applicants are eligible for up to $3,000 of funding. However, an individual applicant impacted by layoffs, downsizing or restructuring is eligible for up to $5,000 in funding.
Group applicants are eligible for up to $10,000. Group applications for workers impacted by layoffs, downsizing or restructuring are eligible for up to $15,000.
Eligibility Criteria
- Education and training must be for bargaining unit members covered by the Community Living Services, General Services or Indigenous Services collective agreements.
- The Unions of the CSSBA, CSSEA, Employers, individuals or groups may apply for funding. The same eligibility criteria will apply to all applications. Where group applications are submitted, the application may include “in-kind” support (e.g. venue, meals) to assist in lowering the cost to the Fund through economies of scale.
- Applications related to the education and training of employees impacted by layoffs, downsizing, or restructuring are a priority.
- Education and training must be relevant to continuing work in the community social services sector.
- The steering committee will consider applications from individuals who have been previously approved and who have not reached the maximum funding amount.
- Training required by legislation or a collective agreement is not eligible for funding.
- Training through B.C. public education providers is strongly encouraged.
- The steering committee may make exemptions to any of these criteria in unique circumstances, including maximum funding amounts.
Find out more on the LAEF website or email laef@bcgeu.ca